Phillies News Recap

Yeah, it's been almost a week since my last post. Sorry about that, haven't had as much computer access as I would have wanted. Either way, it may be the offseason for the Phillies, but they're still making news, even as they prepare to go for their fifth straight National League East pennant.

First and foremost, the National League Gold Gloves were announced last week, and Shane Victorino won his third straight award in centerfield. Victorino led all National League outfielders with 11 assists, and has been nothing but an asset for the Phils since he took over in center. Most people have lost track of the number of hits that Shane has turned into outs, and that's a good thing. He deserves the Gold Glove, and while Jimmy Rollins had his three season streak come to an end, the Phillies could have had both Chase Utley and Placido Polanco in consideration as well. Regardless, it's good to see Victorino getting some more recognition.

The other news that came out last week was the replacement for Davey Lopes as a first base coach. It turns out that the Phillies didn't have to look far, as they moved third base coach Sam Perlozzo across the diamond to first base, and filled his shoes with former Phillie Juan Samuel, who is going to take over as the third base coach. Personally, I would rather see Samuel, who had world class speed as a player, coaching at first base, but apparently, Perlozzo wanted to coach the base runners, and who am I to argue with Charlie Manuel at this point? Plus, Perlozzo is a very good third base coach, and while he's never been a first base coach, he should be able to pick things up very quickly. It's not going to be as fun without Lopes in the first base box, considering he turned the Phillies into one of the best base stealing teams in baseball, but the team is still the same, the only thing missing is Lopes. We won't be able to tell how much of a difference this makes until the season starts, but everything should be ok, at least on the basepaths.

Why can't next year be here already?

CSNPhilly.com: Victorino wins third Gold Glove

CSNPhilly.com: Perlozzo moves to first base with Samuel hiring